Adjustable Reflector Module for Folded-Path Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnesium spotting scopes face issues such as misalignment of reticles due to assembly movement, galvanic corrosion, and leakage, particularly in single-piece housings, which affect the accuracy and durability of optical devices.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic housing design with integrally formed non-coaxial channels and asymmetric baffles, combined with an adjustable reflector module, to ensure precise alignment and reduce glare, while using materials like magnesium for lightweight construction and employing sealing mechanisms to prevent corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-piece housing design is used for magnesium spotting scopes, then manufacturing complexity is reduced and production efficiency is improved, but assembly movement occurs causing reticle misalignment and boresight error
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple separate sections (tubular section, erector section, eyepiece section) that are assembled together using interference fits and retention features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with precise tolerances while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between single-piece manufacturing efficiency and assembly precision.
2Weight of moving object
If magnesium material is used for housing construction, then device weight is reduced, but galvanic corrosion and leakage issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The housing uses magnesium alloy material (such as Mg-Al-Zn alloy) with specific compositional ranges to achieve optimal balance between weight reduction and corrosion resistance. The composite material approach incorporates alloying elements that form protective phases, preventing galvanic corrosion while maintaining the lightweight advantage of magnesium.
3Device complexity
If non-coaxial channels are integrally formed in the housing, then structural complexity is reduced, but precise alignment of optical components becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The housing channels are pre-formed with built-in alignment features such as precision-machined surfaces, keyed ways, and reference datum surfaces during the manufacturing process. These preliminary alignment structures ensure that optical components (objective lens, erector assembly, eyepiece) automatically align correctly when installed, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly adjustments while maintaining precise boresight.
4Reliability
If asymmetric baffles are added to the optical path, then image quality is improved by reducing glare, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric baffles are integrated directly into the housing walls and channel structures rather than being separate components. The baffle features are formed as part of the housing manufacturing process (such as injection molding or CNC machining), combining the structural housing function with the optical glare-reduction function, thereby improving image quality without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, accurate, and durable optical system with improved image quality and reduced boresight error, minimizing manufacturing variations and environmental interference.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector to redirect light processed by the objective lens assembly to the additional lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein may include an adjustable reflector module installable in an opening defined by single or plural piece molded housing containing an objective lens assembly and a non-coaxial additional lens assembly, the adjustable reflector module comprising: a body to, together with the single or plural piece molded housing, define a cavity; a reflector on an interior side of the body, the reflector located in the cavity when the adjustable reflector module is installed in the opening, the reflector to redirect light processed by the objective lens assembly to the additional lens assembly; an adjustment interface on an exterior side of the body, the adjustment interface to pivot the reflector relative to the body. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.